Calling all culture vultures and local history enthusiasts! Heritage Open Days returns this September – here’s a round up of what’s happening in and around Newcastle.
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest community heritage festival, which has been running for over 30 years.
Taking place from 11th to 20th September 2026, this is your chance to access a range of heritage events and cultural activities for free.
It’s run by the National Trust and supported by players of the Postcode Lottery, with organisations and volunteers delivering the jam-packed line-up locally.
So, if there’s a place in Newcastle you’ve always wanted to visit, you’re curious to learn more about the city’s rich past, or you’re simply looking for something interesting to do – there’s certain to be a Heritage Open Day event for you during this year’s 10-day festival.
What's on in 2026
More than 50 events are currently listed as taking place in and around Newcastle, with more listings likely to be added in the lead up to the event, so you have plenty of choice.
From parks and cemeteries to a theatre and brewery, there’s a real mix of local landmarks, visitor attractions and heritage sites taking part.
Even if you’ve been to a particular historic building before, you might be tempted back by the unique, one-off events they have lined up especially for this year’s festival.
Plus, some of these places aren’t usually open to the public, so this is an opportunity to go behind the scenes and gain unprecedented access!
Make sure you also check the events directory on the Heritage Open Days website in case you need to pre-book anything.
6 Newcastle highlights from this year's programme
- Discover the story behind three beloved North East brands – Ringtons, Barbour and Fenwick – at a special talk at Newburn Library.
- Take a promenade tour of Tyne Theatre & Opera House and discover what life was like for its staff throughout the theatre’s history.
- Join a tour of Brinkburn St Brewery and uncover the story of brewing in the North East.
- Step inside Alderman Fenwick’s House on Pilgrim Street, which dates back to 1670.
- Visit Jesmond Dene Real Tennis Club and explore its fascinating Victorian-era origins.
- Find out more about the traders who have played a part in the long history of Newcastle’s Grainger Market.
Hopefully, this pocket guide has piqued your interest! For more information about Heritage Open Days, visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk. And for more inspiration on things to see and do locally, sign up to my free newsletter.
